Helping Skilled Newcomers Train For Jobs In Their Field

McGuinty Government Invests In Skills Training And Helps Newcomers Put Their Skills To Work

Ontario is helping more than 2,200 highly skilled newcomers get the training they need to help them find a job that matches their education, qualifications and experience.

Provincial funding is being renewed for 12 bridge training programs, including three at Ryerson University - for internationally-educated dieticians, social workers and midwives. Bridge training programs help internationally trained workers adapt their experience and skills to the Ontario job market without having to repeat previous education or training. Through these programs, newcomers develop the technical, cultural and language-related skills needed to succeed.

Supporting newcomers and these bridge training programs are part of the McGuinty Government's plan to strengthen the economy by investing in the skills and knowledge of all Ontarians.

Quick Facts

Ontario is investing $8.8 million to renew 12 programs across the province.

Since 2003, the McGuinty government has helped about 41,000 newcomers in over 220 different professions get licensed and find jobs in their field through bridge training programs.

Two out of three adult newcomers to Ontario have postsecondary education or training.

Almost half of all newcomers to Canada choose to settle in Ontario.

Some of Ontario's bridge training programs receive partial support from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Additional Resources

Quotes

“We know that helping newcomers find jobs that match their skills is one of the most important things we can do to help them succeed here in Ontario. Ontario's Bridge Training programs help them get certified and upgrade their skills to the needs of our province's job market, so they can continue to help our economy turn the corner.”

“Bridge Training programs, like the ones we are announcing today, are crucial to Ontario's success. I'm proud that our government is helping skilled newcomers find good jobs that match their qualifications, so that they can contribute to our economy and build a better future for their families here in Toronto.”

“The renewed funding from the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration will allow The Chang School to continue to offer high-quality educational programs that bridge internationally educated professionals into the Canadian workforce. Providing access to education and professional development allows new Canadians to reach their goals of meaningful employment and contribute in the economy benefiting all Canadians.”

Dr. Gervan Fearon

Dean, The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education, Ryerson University